As an avid home entertainment enthusiast, I recently embarked on a quest to find the perfect audio-visual receiver that would take my home theater experience to the next level without breaking the bank. After thorough research and comparison, I stumbled upon the Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver. Priced at a very wallet-friendly $348. With the Sony brand backing it, I had high hopes for this piece of equipment, and I can confidently say that it did not disappoint.
Let’s delve into my comprehensive review of the Sony STR-DH790, exploring its various features, performance, design, and everything in between.
Specifications :
- Power Output: 145W per channel at 6 Ohms
- Audio Decoding: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Video Pass-Through: UHD 4K and HDR
- HDMI Ports: 4 In, 1 Out
- Connectivity : Bluetooth
- Calibration : Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)
- Channel : 7.2-Channel Configuration
- Resolution : High-Resolution Audio Support
- Design : Compact Design (5.25″ height)
- Graphic : Graphic User Interface
- Presets : FM Tuner with 30 Digital Presets
- Capability : Bi-Amp Capability
Pros:
- Powerful Sound
- Dolby Atmos
- 4K Pass-Through
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Sleek Design
Cons:
- Limited HDMI Ports
- No Wi-Fi
- No Multi-Zone Support
Design and Build Quality :
The Sony STR-DH790 immediately caught my eye with its sleek and modern design. The control panel’s minimalist aesthetics seamlessly blend with any home decor, and the compact 5.25″ height makes it easy to fit into a media unit. The front panel is neatly arranged, housing a large volume dial and various function buttons. It’s unobtrusive yet stylish, which suits my taste perfectly.
One thing that impressed me is the build quality. Sony has designed this receiver to be not only functional but also durable. The reinforced frame and beam chassis, along with the heat sink, work together to reduce external speaker sound pressure for a more focused and powerful sound. The metal framework and heat sink bracket add a layer of protection to the internal circuits, ensuring enhanced rigidity and clearer sound quality.
Audio Performance :
Audio quality is the heart and soul of any AV receiver, and the Sony STR-DH790 shines brightly in this department. With up to 145W per channel at 6 Ohms, it delivers a robust and immersive sound experience. The power amplifier incorporates a glass-epoxy circuit board to reduce vibration and distortion, allowing for clear, high-power output from each discreet amplifier. This is where the STR-DH790 truly flexes its muscles.
One of the standout features of this receiver is its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. Instead of the traditional channel-based coding, these technologies utilize object-based coding, giving sound designers the freedom to place sounds precisely anywhere in the three-dimensional space. I chose to connect a 5.1 surround sound speaker system and two additional overhead speakers to fully embrace the magic of Dolby Atmos. The result? An audio experience that transports me into the heart of the action in my favorite movies.
DTS:X decoding is equally impressive. It adapts to your speaker configuration in real-time, positioning sound precisely around and above you thanks to its object-based audio decoding. Whether it’s the subtle rustling of leaves in a forest or the thundering roars of a superhero battle, the STR-DH790 handles it all with precision.
The Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) system is another gem. It automatically optimizes sound based on your seating position, ensuring that everyone in the room enjoys the best audio quality. This is especially handy for family movie nights where everyone has their favorite spot on the couch.
Even if you have different combinations of speakers, DCAC ensures that they all deliver consistent sound quality. It aligns the phase characteristics of your speakers to the front left and right speaker channels, creating a more effective surround sound experience. No matter where you sit, the audio quality remains top-notch.
Video Quality and Connectivity :
The Sony STR-DH790 takes care of your video needs as well. The HDR pass-through support is a game-changer for movie enthusiasts like me. It enhances image contrast, brightness, shadow detail, and highlights, making every visual detail pop. It supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of content and devices. The 4K pass-through feature is equally important, allowing data to flow through the receiver without compromising image quality, thanks to HDCP 2.2 compliance. This means I can enjoy 4K content with the highest level of detail and clarity, which is crucial in today’s age of high-definition displays.
When it comes to connectivity, the STR-DH790 has you covered. With four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, it provides the essential connections for your display, Blu-ray player, gaming console, and other devices. I found this setup to be quite sufficient for my needs. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity is a welcome feature. It means I can wirelessly stream my favorite tracks from my devices directly to the receiver. What’s even more convenient is that I can turn the receiver on from my paired device, eliminating the need for extra remote juggling.
The Sony STR-DH790 offers a range of audio input options, including optical and digital coaxial audio, as well as analog audio inputs. While it lacks Wi-Fi support, which has become increasingly common in modern AV receivers, the Bluetooth functionality nicely compensates for it.
User Interface and Navigation :
The graphic user interface of the STR-DH790 is well-designed and user-friendly. It makes it easy to navigate the receiver’s settings, control what you’re watching, identify which devices are connected, and choose from pre-set sound modes. Adjusting settings and getting the audio and video configuration just right is a breeze with this intuitive interface. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a newbie in the world of AV receivers, the Sony STR-DH790 won’t leave you scratching your head in confusion.
Additional Features :
The Sony STR-DH790 boasts a range of additional features that enhance its overall value. It comes with an integrated FM tuner that supports 30 digital preset stations, making it easy to tune in to your favorite radio stations with auto tuning and direct tuning options. This feature can be a pleasant surprise for those who still enjoy traditional radio broadcasts.
This receiver is developed for high-resolution audio and features DSD with a sampling frequency 64 times that of CD audio. It allows you to enjoy the subtle nuances and studio-quality sound that is often lost in standard audio formats. The clarity and depth of sound you can achieve with High-Resolution Audio are truly exceptional.
Cons :
Of course, no product is without its drawbacks. The Sony STR-DH790, while impressively well-rounded, has a few limitations to consider. One of the primary drawbacks is the limited number of HDMI ports. With only four HDMI inputs, it might not be ideal if you have a multitude of devices to connect. Gamers, in particular, might find themselves needing to frequently switch cables or invest in additional equipment to accommodate all their devices.
Another notable limitation is the absence of built-in Wi-Fi. In an age where wireless connectivity is increasingly prevalent, the lack of Wi-Fi may be a letdown for those who prefer streaming content from online sources. While Bluetooth is a great feature, especially for streaming music from smartphones, it doesn’t replace the versatility and speed of a Wi-Fi connection for accessing online content or firmware updates.
Lastly, the STR-DH790 does not support multi-zone audio. If you’re looking to set up audio in different rooms or zones, this receiver won’t provide that functionality. While this may not be a concern for everyone, it’s worth considering if you have plans for multi-room audio in your home.
Conclusion :
In summary, the Sony STR-DH790 is an outstanding AV receiver that delivers impressive audio performance and a range of features that cater to both movie and music enthusiasts. Priced at just $348, it’s a remarkable value for the quality it offers. The sleek design, robust audio capabilities, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and user-friendly interface make it a standout choice for home theater setups.
Despite a few minor drawbacks such as limited HDMI ports, the absence of Wi-Fi, and no multi-zone support. If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful receiver to enhance your home entertainment experience without breaking the bank, the Sony STR-DH790 is certainly a worthy candidate.
1 thought on “Sony STR-DH790 AV Receiver Review”